Before speaking at the event 'Rap and the Arab Spring', co-hosted by openDemocracy and the University of East London, Libyan rapper Ibn Thabit and Egyptian rapper Deeb sat down with openDemocracy to discuss the symbolism behind Tahrir Square and how it has impacted on their rap. For Deeb, Tahrir Square was Plato's utopian city, where people from a variety of backgrounds came together to overthrow Mubarak and to build a new order. For Ibn Thabit, Tahrir Square was the spark that allowed Libyans to believe that they too could finally be free. Watch the video to find out more...

This is the first of a three part interview.